Rules and Regulations

SUBCHAPTER D

Rules of the Standing Committees of the North Carolina State Bar

Section .1300 Rules Governing the Administration of the Plan for Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA)

.1318 Confidentiality

(a) As used in this rule, "confidential information" means all information regarding IOLTA account(s) other than (1) a lawyer's/law firm's or settlement agentâ€™s status as a participant, former participant, or non-participant in NC IOLTA, and (2) information regarding the policies and practices of any bank in respect of IOLTA trust accounts, including rates of interest paid, service charge policies, the number of IOLTA accounts at such bank, the total amount on deposit in all IOLTA accounts at such bank, the total amounts of interest paid to NC IOLTA, and the total amount of service charges imposed by such bank upon such accounts.

(b) Confidential information shall not be disclosed by the staff or trustees of NC IOLTA to any person or entity, except that confidential information may be disclosed (1) to any chairperson of the grievance committee, staff attorney, or investigator of the North Carolina State Bar upon his or her written request specifying the information requested and stating that the request is made in connection with a grievance complaint or investigation regarding one or more trust accounts of a lawyer/law firm or settlement agent; or (2) in response to a lawful order or other process issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, or a subpoena, investigative demand, or similar notice issued by a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency.